President John Dramani Mahama has assured teachers and school administrators across the country that under his leadership, they will be free to express concerns about the education sector without fear of victimisation or intimidation.

Speaking at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra on Monday 5th January, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana’s education system can only progress through openness, accountability and dialogue — not silence and repression.

He noted that in recent years, some heads of schools had been sanctioned or transferred for publicly highlighting challenges faced in their institutions, a development he described as unhealthy for national education growth.

“We have emerged from a dark period of oppression in our educational sector,” Mahama said.

“Many school heads were sacked or transferred for speaking up when things were not going well.”

He stressed that critical feedback from professionals on the ground is essential, and government must listen rather than silence those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping young minds.

“The best way to grow our education sector is through transparency, freedom of speech and even criticism where necessary,” he stated.

President Mahama assured GNAT delegates that teachers will not be punished for honesty under his administration.

“As President, I can assure you that I will protect your right to speak up and to point out when things are not going well,”

he pledged.

He said the partnership between government and teachers must be built on trust, mutual respect and open engagement, adding that teachers are key stakeholders in national development.

GNAT delegates welcomed the assurance, describing it as an important commitment toward promoting professionalism and restoring confidence within the education workforce.

President Mahama’s message formed part of a broader call for renewed collaboration between government, teachers and labour unions to strengthen Ghana’s education system.

The Amenfi Central District Assembly is pleased to announce the successful commissioning of a newly constructed Six-Unit Classroom Block at Manso Nkwanta No. 2/Guabase, generously funded by the Government and People of Japan.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday at Manso Nkwanta No.2/ Guabase, 10th December 2025, was graced by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Peter Amponsah, the District Coordinating Director, the District Education Director, the District Staff and the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

This important project, delivered under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, stands as a symbol of the strong friendship and growing cooperation between Japan and Ghana. It also reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality education.

The Ghana Education Service has dismissed accusations by former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum that poor management practices caused the decline in student performance in the 2025 WASSCE.

In a statement released on Monday December 1 and signed by its Public Relations Head, Daniel Fenyi, the service described Dr Adutwum’s comments as misplaced and urged the public to disregard them.

According to the GES, the 2025 results simply reflect the true academic output of candidates, not any shortcomings from management. “Management has taken note of attempts by Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to attribute the performance of students in the 2025 WASSCE to unsupportive management practices of GES,” the statement said, adding that the former minister’s claims do not match the realities of the examination process.

The 2025 WASSCE recorded significant drops across core subjects. Social Studies fell to 55.82 percent, down from 71.53 percent in 2024, the lowest in four years. Core Mathematics saw an even steeper dip, with only 48.73 percent passing compared with 66.86 percent the previous year. The failure rate ballooned from 6.10 percent to 26.77 percent, meaning nearly one in four candidates failed the subject.

English Language held at 69 percent, while Integrated Science dropped slightly to 57.74 percent. In all, 461,736 students from 1,021 schools wrote the exams, a small increase from 2024.

Mr Fenyi said the strict supervision and tougher invigilation this year contributed to the outcome. He noted that several students and some staff were arrested after attempting to cheat. “The 2025 WASSCE was conducted under heightened invigilation, strengthened supervision and strict adherence to examination protocols,” he added.

The GES also pushed back against Dr Adutwum’s claims that teachers’ allowances had been cancelled. It clarified that the Controller and Accountant General’s Department had already explained the delay in November payments.

“It is not true that the GES has cancelled any allowances due to teachers,” the statement emphasised.

The service insisted that the results present a credible picture of candidates’ abilities and show improvements in examination integrity. It added that protecting the credibility of the system remains a top priority.

GES further reminded students that Ghana will return to the international May or June WASSCE in 2026 and urged them to prepare well for the shift.

“Management will not compromise the integrity of examinations and will continue to work with all stakeholders to improve teaching, learning and examination systems,” it noted.

The statement comes as the release of the 2025 WASSCE results sparks nationwide debate over the state of Ghana’s education sector.